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How Do You Find Last Year's AGI?

Find last year's AGI for e-filing by checking your prior return, IRS online account, or transcript records without confusing AGI with taxable income.

Direct answer

The fastest way to find last year's AGI is to look at the prior-year tax return you filed or sign in to your IRS online account and check the records for the correct tax year. If you do not have the return and cannot use the online account, request a transcript. For e-filing, use the exact prior-year AGI requested by your software.

prior return available = use AGI there; no return = IRS online account or transcript

Where to find prior-year AGI

Prior-year Form 1040

You kept the filed return

Do not use refund or taxable income

Tax software account

You filed through the same provider

Make sure it is the filed final return

IRS online account

You can sign in

Select the correct tax year

Tax return transcript

You lost the return

Transcript is not a full return copy

Current-year return

Not for prior-year AGI

E-file checks usually ask for last year's AGI

Where you look	Use when	Mistake to avoid
Prior-year Form 1040	You kept the filed return	Do not use refund or taxable income
Tax software account	You filed through the same provider	Make sure it is the filed final return
IRS online account	You can sign in	Select the correct tax year
Tax return transcript	You lost the return	Transcript is not a full return copy
Current-year return	Not for prior-year AGI	E-file checks usually ask for last year's AGI

AGI is one exact number

Prior-year AGI is commonly used for e-file identity verification. A close estimate, wages from a W-2, taxable income, or a refund amount can still trigger an e-file rejection if it is not the exact AGI value expected.

Find the right AGI

1Confirm which tax year your filing software asks for.
2Check the filed return for that year first.
3If you cannot find it, sign in to your IRS online account and review tax records.
4Use transcript retrieval if online account access is not available.
5Enter the prior-year AGI exactly as requested by the e-file system.

FAQ

Is AGI the same as taxable income?

No. Adjusted gross income is not the same as taxable income, refund amount, total income, or wages. For e-file identity checks, use the exact prior-year AGI value requested.

What if my AGI keeps getting rejected during e-file?

Make sure you are using the prior tax year the software asks for, not the current-year AGI. If you filed late, amended, or had special processing, follow the software and IRS guidance for AGI mismatch situations.

Can I find AGI without my old tax return?

Yes. The IRS online account can show prior-year AGI, and transcript retrieval can help if you no longer have the return copy.

Sources & method

We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.